Srinagar, Sep 16: The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) is likely to introduce walnut harvesting machines in Jammu and Kashmir next year to make the process safer and reduce the risks involved in climbing trees manually.
Dr Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone, Professor and Head, SKUAST-K. Told Rising Kashmir that the move would help make walnut harvesting safer and more efficient for growers, many of whom continue to depend on traditional methods.
“Walnut harvesting machines are expected to be introduced next year,” Dr Imtiyaz said, stressing the need to reduce the risks faced by workers who climb tall walnut trees during the harvesting season.
He said mechanisation is an important step towards modernising the walnut sector and improving productivity. Manual harvesting can be physically demanding and exposes workers to the risk of falls and serious injuries.
Dr Imtiyaz said SKUAST has already developed walnut washing and cleaning machines, which have been deployed in several areas, including Kupwara, Handwara, Tangdar, Uri and Chenab.
He said the focus is now on introducing suitable machinery for harvesting walnuts, which could reduce dependence on manual labour and improve harvesting efficiency.
Dr Imtiyaz also called for wider adoption of modern walnut cultivation practices. He said most growers still follow traditional methods, resulting in low tree density and limited production.
He advised farmers to shift towards grafted walnut plants and high-density plantations. According to him, farmers can plant around 20 to 25 grafted walnut trees per kanal, compared with only four to five trees under traditional planting.
He also urged growers to adopt improved varieties developed through research and seek technical guidance from SKUAST, regional research stations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
Dr Imtiyaz said modern cultivation, mechanisation and better post-harvest facilities are essential to strengthen Kashmir’s walnut industry and help local growers compete in domestic and international markets.
